The Stephen Ireland medical mystery continues.

Posted on January 30th, 2011 | 65 Comments |

Ireland: No confirmation as yet.
Ireland: No confirmation as yet.
There are conflicting reports about a possible move by Aston Villa midfielder, Stephen Ireland, to Newcastle United.

The media is awash with rumours that Ireland is undergoing a medical on Tyneside today. However, when asked yeterday if Ireland would be staying at Aston Villa, manager, Gerard Houllier, said:

“Oh, yes. He should be back next week.”

Meanwhile, while the reports on Ireland’s Newcastle United medical have been many, there has been no official confirmation from either the Aston Villa or Newcastle United camps on a move. 24-year-old Ireland has struggled to gain a place in the Aston Villa starting line-up since signing a four year contract with the Villans at the start of the season. This is despite gaining many plaudits for his attacking midfield play with previous club, Manchester City, where he was voted as the club’s “Player of the Year” for the 2008/9 season.

Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew has confirmed that the club have made offers for two players, and that they are still making moves to capture the players for the Newcastle squad before the transfer deadline ends at 11PM on Monday, 31st of January.

“We’ve put a couple of offers in this week and we’re hopeful we’ll get something done. The way it’s looking at the moment that probably won’t happen until Monday, and we hope there are no last-minute hitches.”

He then added:

“I want to sign players, but I will only do it if the deal is right. I’m not going to be held to ransom. The deal has to be right for the right player.

Time will tell over the next few hours if Pardew has been successful.

NUFCBlog Author: workyticket workyticket has written 1091 articles on this blog.

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Comment on this post

65 Responses

  1. Surely Houllier was just calling our bluff, making us pay a higher percentage of his wages.

  3. If Ireland does come, whos he going to replace in the team? Nolan? Tiote? I don’t think he going to be happy sitting on the bench waiting for one of the others to get injured. We should be getting a winger to replace Routledge.

  4. Jamie O’Hara is going on loan to wolves.

    Good player, could have been a good for us but we do have plenty of CM’s and that seems his best position..

  5. I think Houllier was playing games with the “back next week” comments. As seen in the last couple of weeks theres a few managers having problems with his transfer tacticts, althought tbh i doubt he’ll have much to do with the Ireland dealings other than knowing he wants shot of him

  6. Fake Cheik says:
    January 30, 2011 at 2:54 pm

    “Surely Houllier was just calling our bluff, making us pay a higher percentage of his wages.”

    Maybe, Fake Cheik, but it all just seems to be speculation so far.

  7. As much as I’d like to buy into this worky, when the national broadsheets are all running the story you’d have to think there’s some merit to the story. Also if as they say, actions speak louder than words, Houllier’s pursuit of Bradley would suggest Ireland is going to be made available as a result.

  8. Tez131 says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    “Jamie O’Hara is going on loan to wolves.

    “Good player, could have been a good for us but we do have plenty of CM’s and that seems his best position..”

    Stephen Ireland is a central midfielder too, Tez.

    paul toon asks a good question, who is Ireland going to replace? Because I don’t think he’ll be happy on the sidelines again, and he’ll also be a very expensive sub.

  9. few peeps saying hes checked in to a hotel in jesmond. another bloke said he has already passed the medical and signed. i reckon its a done deal tbh.

  10. boater says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    “As much as I’d like to buy into this worky, when the national broadsheets are all running the story you’d have to think there’s some merit to the story.”

    You may be right, boater. However, the broadsheets print almost as much unsubstantiated guff about football as the tabloids, and if you don’t believe me, read a bit of Louise Taylor in the Guardian! As I’ve written before, when they use terms such as “we understand that…”, “sources have told us…” and that sort of thing, then they’re usually speculating.

  11. Louise Taylor, now there’s a face worth punching. Not that im condoning violence or anything. everytime i read her articles and shes typed ‘Newcastle’ i can almost feel her disdain. makes me sick.

  12. Worky, since we started playing barton on the right meaning we play 3 CMs and 1 winger (Jonas) we have seemed a lot stronger in the middle of the park. With 2 out and out wingers our midfield seems a bit weaker. So Ireland could play through the centre or in a Barton type role (on the right but can move in to the middle when needed).

    To be fair we hardly ever have a full strength team so I dont know why people are saying he wont get on a fully fit team. Between injuries and suspensions we really need to have more than just a good first team. We need players fighting for positions!

    I think he is a great player, creative, attacking and technically gifted.
    Get him some playing time and I think he could be a great signing personally.

  14. workyticket says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    paul toon asks a good question

    Thanks workyticket. I can’t see Nolan the captain been kicked into touch to make room for Ireland, and I thought he was getting away from Villa because he wants a place in the the starting line up? Pardew must be thinking of a 4-5-1

  15. Worky, you’re right. Don’t worry about me and Taylor, I’ve got the T-shirt there mate, spend many a wasted hour ranting at her on her blogs and the Guardian’s CIF. In fact I can see her sometimes in the press enclosure when I take my pop’s seat in the milburn stand.

    Signings-wise, there’s been a few smokescreens in the past few windows aye, but daring to dream we have Taarabt, Benzema and Victor Moses lined up is akin to those last few moments of vain hope when we thought Klinsman or Rijkard were coming, not Pardew.

  16. Gerard likes to keep things under wraps, I’m sure Ireland is up there. As a Villa supporter i can’t wish him well as he’s been an absolute disgrace since joining us. But I suppose if he does find some form it’ll help bump up his fee for permanent move to someone in the summer

  17. Tez131 says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    “Worky, since we started playing barton on the right meaning we play 3 CMs and 1 winger (Jonas) we have seemed a lot stronger in the middle of the park.”

    Aye Tez, I was starting to think about a 4-5-1 or 4-4-1-1 ike Paul. But also like him, I think we need a more specialised wide player now Routledge has gone.

  18. @14 paul toon says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:26 pm
    Pardew must be thinking of a 4-5-1

    Or could play 4-3-3

    Carroll
    Ben Arfa Ireland

    Nolan Barton
    Tiote

    With rotation of Jonas with Ben Arfa/Ireland and rotation of Gosling in the middle etc…

  19. opps!

    …………Carroll
    Ben Arfa……………Ireland

    …….Nolan…….Barton
    ………….Tiote

  20. boater says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    “Worky, you’re right. Don’t worry about me and Taylor, I’ve got the T-shirt there mate, spend many a wasted hour ranting at her on her blogs and the Guardian’s CIF.”

    She ain’t the only one in the “quality” press either, boater. There are also guff peddlars such as Matthew Syed in The Times and quite a few others.

  21. Daniel Sturridge – is another player being mentioned on loan. Not watched lots of him but he does have potential. Great pace and a rocket left shot. Could be good to play of Carroll.

  22. As far as I know Ireland can also play right wing, however Barton has been playing so well there that you can’t Gaurantee he would be starting. If he can recapture Man City form could be a good signing if not then not worth it. Could be good business getting him on loan to see if he has still got it however could cost us more to make permanent in the long run if we decide to do that.

  23. Firtle says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:28 pm

    “Gerard likes to keep things under wraps, I’m sure Ireland is up there.”

    I’m sure you’re right about Napoleon, Firtle. Lots of other managers do as well. Alan Pardew certainly doesn’t seem to be one of them though! :-)

  24. He will fail his medical on mental issues, because he’s a propper tosser, how anyone can behave like he as at Villa is a disgrace, good luck with him, he’s broke!

  26. i am a little worried about his mental state as well, just look at the Ireland thing where he told the gaffer his granny died, twice… different grannies obviously but they were both fine. thats more than unhinged if you ask me.

  27. lualua

    If Ireland does sign im sure Nolan will play upfront behind Carroll with Barton, Tiote, Ireland and Jonas in midfield.

  28. Louise Taylor,
    now there’s a name i hate to hear, anyway i always thought she could at least wash before talking about Newcastle

  29. eltoro says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    “He will fail his medical on mental issues, because he’s a propper tosser, how anyone can behave like he as at Villa is a disgrace”

    And the Republic of Ireland, eltoro.

    He told Giovanni Trappatoni that he had to pull out of a crucial game against the Czech Republic just days before it kicked off, saying that his grandmother had died. The Irish Football Association gave him immediate compassionate leave and arranged for a private jet to fly him home. It was a complete lie and his grandmother was alive and well. That was an awful thing to lie about.

  30. Apparently we’re still talking up the 1m move for Seb Larsson, who would surely play Right-Mid, and Barton tuck back into the middle, and therefore make a nice tactical fit.

    I’d be happier with Seb than Ireland, cos he’s in great form, playing regular, and technical crosser of the ball for a big hit man to reap rewards (Carrol, Best, A-Force etc would love him)

    Ireland might just turn out to be an expensive luxury, like toilet paper.

  32. Milner says:
    January 30, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    “an expensive luxury, like toilet paper.”

    That may be the case in Sunderland and Middlesbrough, Milner. I divven’t knaa about the rest of the country though!

  33. Houllier said this yesterday:

    “Will Ireland still be here in February? Oh, yes. Do I see him going anywhere? No,” added the Villa boss.

    “He should be back next week from his injury.”

  34. Who cares. The guy is a proper footballer with ambition. He obviously wants to play for us. Out of Leon Best, Bernie Slaven or Stephen Ireland I know who i’d prefer. Who cares if he doesn’t want to play for the ROI, can you blame him, would you. :)

  37. workyticket says:
    January 30, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Milner says:
    January 30, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    “an expensive luxury, like toilet paper.”

    That may be the case in Sunderland and Middlesbrough, Milner. I divven’t knaa about the rest of the country though!

    :lol:

  41. DJG says:
    January 30, 2011 at 4:26 pm

    “Not very well, Ive suggested we go in a car.”

    Shame DJG, it’s a really good idea. A car full could still be a good day out though!

  42. Aye, maybe we could try it again sometime, like start of next season. I just can’t risk hiring a company and then not getting enough people coz money aint exactly falling off tree’s if you know what I mean.

  43. DJG says:
    January 30, 2011 at 4:32 pm

    “Aye, maybe we could try it again sometime”

    Aye, whenever you want, DJG.

    Time to look into this Xisco thing!

  46. When you look at the photo of the bloke he even looks a bit of a basket case and every one at villa seems to not like him . Hope if he comes he does not disrupt the harmony in the team . Does anyone know what his discipline record is on the field , how many yellow and red cards he has had .

  47. Seems Liverpool are demanding £50mil for Torres now.

    Ashley get your cheque book out! :)

    Carroll – Torres partnership would be quite handy!

    I hope the lack of offical news on Ireland is due to maybe trying to tie up a 2nd signing and not because of any issues with the Ireland deal.

    Fulham 4 up now…

  49. i was thinking more on the lines of 4-3-2-1

    Simpson Taylor coloccini Enrique

    Tiote
    Barton Nolan

    Ireland Ben arfa

    Carroll

    p.s im nt really a big fan ofsimpson i feel he can be a liability would rather put taylor out there and Williamson come in to centre back

  50. Well done the Spuds theneet. Looks like Arry could do with someone like Andy Caroll. Shame that.

  51. Hmm,! been reported that Ireland is presently out injured .
    Yet he`s undergoing a physical in order to join NUFC we have been led to believe.
    Could be there was an understanding to claim injury in order to cover the fact he has`nt been selected, a move that covers both player and club.(he`s not good enough vs he`s good enough but injured and we want more money)
    Also makes one wonder, is the loan to suss out how he will fit in and could there then be a possible renegotiation to buy during the next window ?
    Or has it been generated by fear of the drop ?
    Either way it`s a positive deal for the club.
    Personally i believe it could be a good move for both parties and think (on his day), there are few better attacking midfielders in this league.
    Obviously he has his critics on this blog, mostly concerned with his state of mind.
    Listen after guys like Gazza and Bellamy, who we all liked regardless of their head problems.
    Lets just rate the guy on what he does on the field, (did`nt realise how many phychiatrists we had on this blog, along with accountants who constantly worry about Ashleys fortune)
    Hey it`s show business, nothing earth shaking!
    As for who will he replace, hey enough already with that dumb question.
    Look in to-days game seldom do sides play the same team two weeks in a row, most platoon players, depending on the opposition, minor injuries, players out on to many cards, etc.
    In which case if a club wants to be competitive and play in the top echelon`s of football, they have to have quality in depth, which in turn creates competition for places and hopefully this may be the beginning of that rebuilding program, where the club focus is on bringing in quality as opposed to basing it on price.

  52. chuck says:
    January 30, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    “where the club focus is on bringing in quality as opposed to basing it on price.”

    Chuck, have you ever been to “Sports Direct”? :lol:

  53. Worky
    Unfortunately did`nt make it to Newcastle last year.
    Been to Frank Brennans old store, maga years ago,one of my hero`s.
    But yeah, get the reference, once a retailer…..

  54. Chuck says:
    January 30, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    “Worky
    Unfortunately did`nt make it to Newcastle last year.
    Been to Frank Brennans old store, maga years ago”

    It was Stan Seymour’s sports shop back in my younger days up there.

    I believe that Mike Ashley has some of his tat shacks over on your side of the pond too, but with a slightly different name. I doubt that there as quite as awful as the ones over here though!

  55. I also fail to see how Ireland can be a great piece of business… He is mental and he plays in a position where we are strong.

  56. i think it would be bit of good business on pardews part. and i can see him setting out a 4-5-1 with this capture or even some rotation between him an nolan

    nolan is 32 this year he’s not getting younger, the 24 year old is just the goal scoring midfield maestro to fill the aging pro’s boots in the comin years and im sure he might be deployed on right wing on some occasions,

    well done Pardew some good business xisco and routledge out ireland in for me its a stronger squad, tie this 1 up and a good quality winger ill be happy with the january business. glad keane went to west ham that means we wont be getting the over priced flop

  57. chuck
    i think its possible for injured players to pass a medical Dan Gosling been one, but its not true Ireland isnt injured i believe he has been in talks with trapatoni about an international return.

    for those who question his ability he is a great player, he was player of the season with Man City wen they had big time stars spouting out their ying yang, they just got der fortune bought Robhino, Adybyore and few other Mercenaries and cream always raises to the top,

    Him and Barton have played together in the past which will help him settle and he also has fellow irish international leon best, i think people are only questioning this transfer cause of pardews part in the chris getting sacked, its time to move forward we have pardew lets give him the backing of the public

  58. workyticket says:
    January 30, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    He told Giovanni Trappatoni that he had to pull out of a crucial game against the Czech Republic just days before it kicked off, saying that his grandmother had died. The Irish Football Association gave him immediate compassionate leave and arranged for a private jet to fly him home. It was a complete lie and his grandmother was alive and well. That was an awful thing to lie about

    incorrect im afraid it was Steve Staunton/brain kerr who he pulled this on, as he has yet to be in a squad for Trappitoni and dat was nearly 3 years ago, and the truth is dat his gf actually had a miscarriage and the media got it wrong saying it was his grand mother,

  60. “and the truth is dat his gf actually had a miscarriage and the media got it wrong saying it was his grand mother”

    nope mate,the media got it right for once, only when he’d been caught out about his grandmother, did he then say his girlfriend had miscarried. Whether that bit was true or not or why he lied in the first place I don’t know.

  62. Valle, sure! another psychiatrist then are you?
    How deep exactly are we then, actually spurs have guys like Kranjcar and Jenas who have difficulty getting games,thats deep, not to mention teams like Citeh and United and you actually think we are deep ?

    Johnzewlergraham
    Yeah i know guys get signed while injured, just questioning was he really injured and I agree he has the potential to be a great acquisition and probably for a reasonable price come summer.

    Have to say the stories about his personal life and mental state are getting more boring by the day,give it a rest and let`s see how he does on the pitch, ok !

  63. his gf did have a miscarraige, dats media jargon to cover up der error, the gaffer was asked in an interview an he clarified wat he was told

    El Toro ~ says:
    January 30, 2011 at 9:52 pm
    johnzewlergraham

    Nolan 32? No, he is 28.

    holy shit i thought he was alot older the c**ts been around forever def mixed up his stats with sum1 else